Witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana) is a plant that grows in North America and Asia. The bark, leaves and twigs of the witch hazel plant has been used to make a variety of things including medicine and cleaning products.
What Is Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has smooth, gray bark and its leaves are oval-shaped with blunt tips. The witch hazel plant blooms in the fall with yellow or orange flowers.
Some History
The name "witch hazel" comes from the Middle English "wych," which means "bend" or "turn," and from the Old English "hæsel," which means "hazel." The name refers to the way the branches of the witch hazel plant bend.
Witch hazel has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. The plants were used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, bruises and inflammation.
Its extract was first introduced to Europe in the 16th century. It quickly became a popular treatment for a variety of conditions, including skin diseases, tumors and hemorrhoids.
Today, it is still used as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions. It is commonly used as an astringent to cleanse the skin and shrink pores.
How to Take Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a powerful herb that has many uses. It can be taken internally or applied externally to the skin. Witch hazel is most commonly used to treat skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also effective in treating bruises, insect bites, and burns. Please consult your doctor before using.
To take it, mix two teaspoons of the herb with eight ounces of water. Drink this mixture three times a day. You can also apply witch hazel to your skin by soaking a cloth in the mixture and applying it to the affected area. Do this several times a day or as needed.
Witch hazel is a safe and effective herb that can be used to treat many different conditions. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking witch hazel, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Witch Hazel Medicinal Uses
Witch hazel is used in a variety of ways. It can be found in many over-the-counter medications and products including:
- acne treatments
- astringents
- aftershaves
- hemorrhoid treatments
- mouthwashes
Witch hazel has a number of benefits. It is an astringent, which means it can help to shrink pores and reduce inflammation.
Witch Hazel Cleaning Products
Witch hazel is also a natural antiseptic, which means it can help to kill bacteria and fungus. Baby wipes made with it can be used to cleanse a baby's skin. They can also be used to clean surfaces and floors, although this isn't their intended use.
Baby Witch Hazel Wipes
Grab Green Home's baby witch hazel wipes are formulated to help soothe a variety of skin irritations on a baby's delicate skin. Made with soothing witch hazel, they perfectly travel in any diaper bag and are clinically proven non-irritating.
Ingredients include:
- deionized water
- glycerin
- hamamelis virginiana water
- aloe barbadensis
- cucumis sativus
- avena sativa (oat) kernal extract
- sodium phytate
- decyl glucoside
- fragrance
- potassium sorbate
- sodium benzoate
- benzoic acid
The soft blue packaging is detailed with a cloud texture, stitching, buzzing bees and glitter accents. Package design clearly states what the product does & how to use it; the ingredients are listed in full, along with each ingredient's purpose. Inside are 32 biodegradable wipes.
Witch hazel is a versatile and natural product with many uses. It can be found in over-the-counter medications and products, or used on its own to treat various conditions.
Next time you're at the store, pick up some witch hazel and give it a try!
